Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis

(ANUG; Trench Mouth; Vincent's Stomatitis)
by Diana Kohnle
Definition

Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is a serious infection of the gums that causes ulcers, swelling, and dead tissues in the mouth. Although a very painful condition, it can be healed with treatment.

Causes

Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis is typically caused by excess bacteria in the mouth. Too much bacteria can form in the mouth from smoking , stress, lack of dental care, a virus, and poor diet.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for ANUG include:

  • Age: 35 years or younger
  • Compromised immune system
  • Infections in the throat, teeth, or mouth
  • Lack of dental care and overall poor dental hygiene
  • Poor diet
  • Smoking
  • Stress
  • Vitamin deficiencies
Symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your dentist.

  • Bad taste in mouth, extremely bad breath
  • Fever
  • Gray residue on the gums
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Large ulcers or loss of gum tissue in between teeth
  • Pain in the gums
  • Red and swollen gums
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Diagnosis

Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a dental exam. The dental exam will look for:

  • Dental x-rays
  • Crater-like ulcers in the gums that may harbor plaque and debris from food
  • Destroyed gum tissue
  • Facial x-rays
  • Inflammation of the gums

Treatment

Talk with your dentist about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

  • Antibiotics to clear up the infection
  • Changes in diet
  • Dental surgery
  • Improved diet
  • Regular dental cleanings
Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting ANUG, take the following steps:

  • Maintain a balanced, nutritional diet.
  • See your dentist regularly.
  • Take proper care of teeth and gums.

Last reviewed: September 2011 by Laura Morris-Olson, DMD.

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